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Water utilities director to retire; report shows 15.8% system water loss and pump failure
Summary
Water utilities director Doug Sweary presented the utilities' Jan-Nov 2025 report, announced his retirement after 30 years and the appointment of Zach Courts as interim director; the report noted a 15.8% water loss rate, an R-03 pump failure that may require RO membrane work and a wastewater-plant violation tied to an industrial discharge with a $23,500 fine.
Doug Sweary delivered the City of Ballyganwater utilities annual report during the Dec. 8 council meeting and announced he has submitted his retirement notice after roughly 30 years with the city. City staff said Zach Courts will serve as interim utilities director while the city determines next steps.
Sweary summarized system activity from January through November 2025, reporting hundreds of millions of gallons treated and distributed and that the distribution system is averaging a 15.8% water loss. He described operational issues including a major failure of pump R-03; technicians found multiple failed bearings in that multi-stage pump, and fragments of the bearings have damaged RO membranes. "We're trying to assess that and figure out why," Sweary said; staff are evaluating repair-versus-replace options and potential membrane replacement that could affect the FY2026 budget.
The water resource recovery facility treated roughly 335 million gallons of raw sewage through November and reported industrial and trucked septage volumes; staff said one state violation stemmed from an industrial discharge and that a fine and recovery costs of $23,500 were assessed. The plants participate in Consumers Energy's demand-response program and both are training two new operators.
City manager Joel announced he has appointed Zach Courts as interim utilities director; the appointment is administrative and staff will bring further succession or budget items to council as needed. Council members thanked Sweary for his service and welcomed Courts.
Staff noted the EGLE sanitary survey completed in November and said more detailed budget and repair plans will appear at the council retreat and in the upcoming FY2026 budget process.
